A Walk In Her Shoes: Tootsie Actor Santino Fontana

Ahead of the Chicago pre-Broadway premiere of the musical adaptation of the 1982 movie, Tootsie, Tony-nominated actor Santino Fontana talks about preparing for the iconic role and what men can learn about being a woman.

What is your professional background?

I’m a classically trained actor who got his start at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis—go Midwest!­—and then moved to New York. I’ve been lucky enough to work in dramas and comedies on TV, film, and theater. Tootsie will be my 9th Broadway show.

How are your preparing for your role?

Well, rehearsals all-day are taking up the majority of my time now, but I’ve been pretty strict with voice lessons and getting to the gym, in addition to learning how fun getting waxed is.

Based on your preparation for the role, what do you think that men can learn about women?

So much. Since we started working on the show, I’ve become so aware of all the things that men just never have to think about. A couple nights ago, a female friend got asked if she wanted to be walked to the subway, and I realized I’ve never been asked that. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

What is the most challenging aspect of playing this role?

Right now, it’s the juggling of all the technical stuff like the wig, the bra, the nails, and all the quick changes back and forth from Michael to Dorothy. That said, when we nail it, it’s thrilling. Nail pun intended.

What classic character would be your dream role, either on stage or screen?

The idea of playing anybody in extreme circumstances gets me excited. I want to step into the shoes of characters who do things I would never do in my life. Oedipus gouges his eyes out after he realizes he murdered his father…I don’t want to do either of those things, but I would jump at the chance to pretend to and feel what that’s like.

How long can you last in a pair of heels?

Leslie Flesner, who’s in our cast and helped me learn how to walk in them earlier this year, told me to wear them 30 minutes a day at home just to get used to them, and I’ve been doing that for several months now. While cooking. Watching TV. My neighbors across the street know a lot about me. I think I could last a long time in them, but I definitely don’t want to.